2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport: All American all the way

The Chevrolet Corvette is a highly popular sports car that has been on the automotive scene since 1953. Whether it is the C1, split rear window, convertible, or Z06 to just name a few, the Corvette is a favorite among driving enthusiasts!

So what does the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport have to offer?

It is a rear-wheel drive two-door with a 51/49 percent f/r weight distribution. The car’s wheelbase measures 105.7 inches and the fuel tank holds 18 gallons.

The engine is a direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 providing 430 hp and 424 ft. lb. of torque. The engines redline is at 6,500 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic with shifting on the steering wheel. With its limited-slip differential, the Grand Sport does 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds.

On the exterior the Grand Sport is wide and it sits low. The windshield is well raked. The hood has a V shaped raised center. The front fenders are rounded are sit slightly above the hood. The headlights curve down as well as in and also run back into the front fenders. The traditional Corvette black/white checkered and red flags symbol is prominent in the center. A small horizontal air intake just above the flags adds a sporty touch. At the bottom is a large air intake flanked by driving lights at the corners.

From the side this Corvette has a laid back but ready to run look. The front fenders curve slightly upward to the center of the front wheels and then drop down. The doors contain cut lines with a recessed area in the center. The front fenders contain three slanted slit air intakes. A unique raised rear window completes the look.

At the rear this Grand Sport has a long horizontal third brake light centered on the deck. Just below the brake light are the black/white checkered and red flags. The taillights consist of two red recessed circles on each side. Except for the recessed license plate area, the back surface is flat (with no visible bumper). At the bottom is a blacked out area with quad exhaust pipes exiting near the center.

On the interior the driver sees two large tachometer and speedometer gauges with smaller oil and temperature gauges to the left and voltage and fuel gauges to the right. Under the two central air vents is an 8.5-inch navigation screen. The front bucket seats offer good support and reasonable comfort.

The brakes are vented and drilled discs measuring 14 inches at the front and 13.4 inches at the rear. The calipers are 6-pisron units at the front and 4-piston units at the rear. The Grand Sport’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in 101 feet. The tires measure 275 35 18 inch at the front and 325 30 19 inch at the rear.

The suspension at the front and rear on this Corvette includes short and long arm (SLA) double wishbones, upper and lower control arms, a transverse leaf spring, monotube shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar.

On the skidpad the Corvette Grand Sport is capable of 1.09g. This sports car charges through the slalom at 63 mph.

The warranty for this Corvette is a 3-year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper and 5-year 100,000 mile drivetrain (engine and transmission) plus 6-year 100,000 mile corrosion protection. Additionally, there is roadside assistance for 5-years 100,000 miles.

The 2012 Corvette Grand Sport’s MSRP is $56,900.

On the road the Corvette Grand Sport provides on demand acceleration combined with great torque throughout the rpm range. This sport car’s handling is sharp and the driver feedback is rewarding. With its overdrive transmissions, highway cruising is a comfortable low rpm affair. This Corvette is smooth and is thus an easy car to live with day in and day out.

If you want an American sports car icon that offers great performance at a reasonable price, be sure to test drive the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.” His auto site: drivethebestbook.com includes an exclusive article just for you, additional car articles, information about Kyle Busch and his 510,000 mile car, and you can even submit your automotive questions and get expert answers. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.